For savvy travelers looking to maximize their Delta SkyMiles, understanding partner airlines is key. While Cape Air isn’t a SkyTeam alliance partner directly, it holds a valuable partnership with Delta Air Lines, a core member of SkyTeam. This collaboration allows SkyMiles members to earn miles and progress towards Medallion Status on select Cape Air flights, effectively extending SkyTeam benefits through Delta’s network. This article breaks down how you can leverage this partnership to boost your SkyMiles balance when flying with Cape Air.
Earning SkyMiles and Medallion Qualification on Cape Air
If you’re flying to or from Boston Logan International (BOS), San Juan, PR (SJU), St. Thomas, USVI (STT), St. Croix, USVI (STX), or Billings, MT (BIL) on select Cape Air flights, you’re in luck. By booking these flights through Delta channels, you can earn SkyMiles just like you would on Delta-marketed flights. This means every eligible Cape Air flight purchased via Delta contributes to your SkyMiles earnings and Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs).
To ensure you receive your miles, it’s crucial that your flight is both operated and marketed by Cape Air but ticketed by Delta. Look for the Delta (006) ticket stock when booking. This ticketing agreement is what allows the seamless integration with the SkyMiles program.
How Miles Accrual Works
The earning structure for Cape Air flights mirrors that of Delta-marketed flights, making it straightforward for SkyMiles members. For every U.S. Dollar spent on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges of your Delta-ticketed, Cape Air-marketed flight, you’ll earn 5 SkyMiles. This excludes government-imposed taxes and fees.
Furthermore, your Medallion Status amplifies your earning potential:
- Silver Medallion Members: Earn 7 miles per dollar (2 bonus miles).
- Gold Medallion Members: Earn 8 miles per dollar (3 bonus miles).
- Platinum Medallion Members: Earn 9 miles per dollar (4 bonus miles).
- Diamond Medallion Members: Earn a generous 11 miles per dollar (6 bonus miles).
These bonus miles are calculated based on your Medallion Status at the time of your flight, rewarding loyalty within the SkyMiles ecosystem.
Securing Your SkyMiles Credit
To guarantee automatic mileage credit, add your SkyMiles number to your reservation before you travel. This can be done easily during the booking process on delta.com or through any Delta authorized sales channel. By including your SkyMiles account number in your Delta reservation record, your miles will be automatically credited to your account after your trip is complete.
If you happen to forget to add your SkyMiles number before your flight, don’t worry. You can request retroactive credit within 9 months of completing your travel. This ensures you don’t miss out on valuable miles, even if you missed adding your number initially. Remember, miles are credited to the traveler’s SkyMiles account, regardless of who purchased the ticket, and mileage cannot be transferred or combined between accounts.
Important Ticket Eligibility
It’s important to note that not all tickets are eligible for mileage accrual on Cape Air flights. The following ticket types are excluded:
- Bulk fares
- Consolidator vacation or tour package fares
- Award Tickets
- Pay with Miles tickets
Always verify the fare rules when booking to ensure your ticket qualifies for SkyMiles earning. Delta Air Lines holds the final authority on interpreting these rules, so when in doubt, consult Delta directly.
Maximize Your SkyMiles Strategy
Understanding partnerships like the one between Delta and Cape Air is crucial for maximizing your SkyMiles earnings. While Cape Air may not be a SkyTeam member itself, its partnership with Delta provides a valuable avenue for SkyMiles members to accrue miles and MQDs on specific routes. By strategically booking eligible Cape Air flights through Delta channels and ensuring your SkyMiles number is attached to your reservation, you can effectively extend your SkyTeam benefits and reach your travel rewards goals faster. Always refer to the official SkyMiles program rules for the most up-to-date information and any changes to partner earning policies.
